Wordily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wordily

[ˈwɜːrdəli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in the context of using words

In a wordy manner; with an excessive use of words; verbosely.

Synonyms

long-windedly, prolixly, verbosely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wordily	Used when someone uses more words than necessary to express an idea, often in a specific or academic context. The professor explained the concept wordily, losing the interest of some students. Her wordily written report was too complicated for the audience to understand.
verbosely	Indicates an overabundance of words, often with a negative connotation; commonly used in general and informal contexts. She explained the instructions verbosely, confusing many of her co-workers. The speaker verbosely introduced the topic, losing the audience's attention.
prolixly	Formal or literary term for using too many words, typically in a way that is tedious; often found in scholarly or critical contexts. The critic remarked that the novel was written prolixly, making it difficult to stay engaged. His prolixly phrased argument was hard to follow for most of the audience.
long-windedly	Often describes speech or writing that is tediously lengthy; usually used in conversational contexts. He described his vacation long-windedly, making it hard for me to keep listening. The meeting dragged on as she presented her ideas long-windedly.

Examples of usage

He spoke wordily, trying to impress the audience with his vocabulary.
She tends to write wordily, often using more words than necessary to convey her thoughts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many classic authors, like Charles Dickens, have been critiqued for their wordy styles, using extensive descriptions and elaborate sentences.
In modern literature, brevity is often preferred; writers strive for clarity and impact with fewer words.
Poets sometimes play with the concept of being wordy, deliberately using excessive language for stylistic effects and to evoke specific emotions.

Communication

Effective communication often values conciseness; using fewer words can make messages clearer and more impactful.
In teaching and public speaking, there is a focus on avoiding wordiness to keep the audience engaged.
Psychological studies suggest that people perceive shorter, more direct communication as more credible.

Pop Culture

In comedy, making fun of overly wordy speeches or explanations is a common trope.
Public figures and politicians are often criticized for being wordy as it can obscure their actual points or messages.
Wordiness has become a meme in online discussions, where users highlight speeches or texts that are unnecessarily lengthy.

Education

Students are encouraged to practice writing clearly and succinctly to enhance their academic performance.
Guidance on writing often includes tips on how to cut unnecessary words and improve clarity.
In language learning, avoiding wordiness can help learners express themselves better and be understood more easily.

Origin of 'wordily'

Main points about word origin

The word 'wordily' comes from the base word 'word' and the suffix '-ly', which means 'in a way' or 'like'.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, originally used in a more neutral context.
Over time, 'wordily' developed a negative connotation, often linked to overly verbose or unnecessary language.

The adverb 'wordily' is derived from the adjective 'wordy', which dates back to the mid-14th century. The word 'wordy' comes from the Middle English 'wordy', meaning 'verbose, full of words', which is ultimately derived from the Old English 'wordig', meaning 'full of words'. Over time, 'wordily' came to be used to describe the excessive or verbose use of words in speech or writing.